Valve construction



v`lune 24, 1930. le. A. STEPHENS 1,765,632 l VALVE CONS TRUCT I ON Filed Nov. 6, 1928 fg. l-'

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Patented June 24, 1930 ECE EDWARD A. STEPHENS, OF LOS ANGELES,'CALIFORNIA VALVE CONSTRUCTION Application led November 6, 1928. Serial No. 317,646.

In this specification, and the accompanying drawing, I shall describe and show a preferred form of my invention, and specifically mention certain of its more important objects. I do not limit myself to the forms disclosed, since various changes and adaptations may be made therein without departing from the essence of my invention as hereinafter claimed; and objects and advantages, other wthan those specifically mentioned, are included within its scope.

My invention relates to valve construction, and particularly to devices of this nature that are especially suited for use as outlets from reservoirs, stand-pipes and the like, for irrigation and similar purposes. Among the principal objects of the invention are; first, to provide a very simple type of valve that can be made very cheaply from sheet metal;

20 second, to supply a valve of this type that is well adapted for being embedded in the concrete walls of reservoirs or stand-pipes, to provide a tightly closing valvular opening therethrough; and, third, to furnish a great- 25 ly improved and simplified valve construction that embodies the above features.

My objects are attained in the manner illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- 3g Figure 1 is a side elevation of one form of valve that embodies the features of my improved construction;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the same;

Figure 8 is a central longitudinal section.

of the above construction in elevation, illustrating its relation to a concrete wall in which it is shown embedded, the section being taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Figure 4L is a side elevation of a modified form of my construction, embodying the features of my invention;

Figure 5 is an end elevation of the same; and

Figure 6 is a central longitudinal section in elevation, of the structure shown in Fig. 4, the valve being shown in relation to a concrete wall in which it is embedded, and the section being taken on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In arid or semi-arid districts, where agriculture depends upon irrigation, it 1s necessary to make use of great numbers of valved openings in reservoirs and stand-pipes, for

the purpose of regulating and conserving thek flow of water. Obviously therefore it 1s of the utmost importance that suchy valves be constructed as cheaply as possible to keep the f tubular valve body, having a valve scat and A valve at one end, and means for operating the valve at the other end. rIhe type of my construction illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, comprises a tubular body 8 comprising a ilat sheet of metal that has been rolled to a cylindrical form, and that is helically slotted as at 9. At one end is a ferrule 10 that encompasses and confines the body. The mouth of the ferrule has a re-entrant conical flange 11. The longitudinal seam 12 of the body may be soldered, and the ferrule may also be soldered to the body, if desired, but when the device is intended to be embedded in concrete the soldering may usually be dispensed with. TWithin the body is a tubular member 13 having a pair of forwardly projecting bent arms 141-. A cupped valve 15, of frusto-conical shape, is attached to arms 14- and is positioned thereby. This valve is adapted to seatVK upon the in-turned conical flange 11. A bail 16 has its vextremities 17 bent at right angles to its side bars, and these extremities pass through helical slots 9 and round holes dialmetrically positioned in the body of tubular member 18. Thus the bail may be turned in the helical slots to rotate tubular member 13 and valve 15 attached thereto, and, by reason of the helical motion imparted in this manner, the valve may thus be either seated or opened at Will. This construction is admirably adapted for being embedded in a concrete Wall 18 of a reservoir or stand pipe. The valve is operated from the outer face of the Wall, and, when opened, the flow passes through the tubular body 8 and tubular member i3. i

A modified form of my invention is illustrated in Figs. 4t, 5, and 6. This comprises a seamless tubular body 19 having an outwardly flared conical mouth 2O at its forward eX- tremity7 and intermediate helical deformations 21 in its wall. In this type 'the internal tubular member is dispensed with, and a specially shaped bail 22 is made to perform its function in addition to its regular duty as a means for operating the valve. rThe forward extremities 23 of the bail are inwardly bent at right angles, and a cupped frusto- Vconical valve 2d is mounten thereon and positioned thereby. The side bars of this bail are intermediately shapec to conform to helical deformations 21, and engage the latter. Therefore, When this bail is turned, it moves helically to open or close valve 2li, the straight portions of the side bars of the bail being closely fitted to the Wall of body 19, and confined thereby. rThis construction is also Well adapted for being embedded in a concrete Wall 25 of a reservoir or stand-pipe.

It Will be noted that, notwithstanding its extreme simplicity, my improved construction is admirably adapted for the purposes intended. t is relatively very cheap to produce, has very feW Working parts, and all of the parts are readily accessible for inspection or repairs. The cupped valves possess inherent resiliency tending to assist in effecting a tight closure When they are seated, and the pressure of the Water Within the reser voir adds to this effect.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim:

1. Valve construction comprising; a valve; a tubular body having at one end a seat for the valve; and a bail engaging the Wall of said body lielically, and adapted by rotation to open or seat the valve.

2. Valve construction comprising; a valve consisting of a frustoeonical cup of resilient material; a tubular body having at one end a frusto-conical seat for the valve; and a bail, operable from the other end of said body and engaging the Wall thereof helically, and adapted by rotation to open or seat the valve.

3. Valve construction comprising; a valve; a tubular body having at one end a seat for the valve, and a wall intermediately provided with' internal means for helical engagement; and a bail Within said body helically engaging said internal means, and supporting said valve, whereby the valve may be opened or seated when the bail is rotated.

EDWARD A. STEPHENS.

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